主权项 |
1. A tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section having a cylindrical surface with a plurality of depressions therein and a distal end, having a planar surface perpendicular to said cylindrical surface, comprising:
a front-pointing camera, wherein the front-pointing camera comprises a lens assembly providing a front field of view of at least 120 degrees and a focal length of approximately 3-100 millimeters, wherein the front-pointing camera is positioned on the planar surface of the distal end of the tip section; two side-pointing cameras each having a center positioned approximately 7 to 11 millimeters from the planar surface of the distal end, wherein each of said two side-pointing cameras has a side field of view of at least 120 degrees, has a focal length of approximately 2-33 millimeters, is positioned within at least one of said plurality of depressions in said cylindrical surface and has a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the side field of view provided by said two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view such that an object of interest viewed by said one of said two side-pointing cameras remains in the side field of view of said side-pointing camera while said tip section is being turned towards the object and at least until the object becomes visible in the front field of view; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. |